What Happened?
Two bombs detonated at a Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines on Sunday, killing 20 and injuring dozens more, according to CNN.
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo told CNN that the first bomb exploded during Mass, and the second device exploded when soldiers arrived at the scene to help victims.
Twenty people died and at least 81 were wounded, including 14 soldiers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and two Philippine National Police officers.
ISIS put out a statement on its Amaq News Agency claiming responsibility for the attack, according to BBC News.
The Latest
The attack occurred after voters in the Muslim-majority region approved a peace deal Monday between separatists and the government which supports a new, self-ruled region, reported the Wall Street Journal.
Philippines Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that security has been increased in the area and condemned the bombing in a statement, CNN reported.
“As we convey our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the victims and offer our sympathy to the peace-loving people of Sulu who are severely affected by this dastardly act, we assure our people that we will use the full force of the law to bring to justice the perpetrators behind this incident,” Lorenzana said.
